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Archives for June 2014

41% of Dayton children overweight or obese

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overweightImproving the health status of children is a key component of the Dayton Children’s Hospital mission and strategic plan.  To help develop meaningful community engagement and outreach strategies, Dayton Children’s evaluates the status of our region’s pediatric health through a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). Per IRS requirements, Dayton Children’s CHNA includes feedback from the community and experts in public health and clinical care and takes into account the health needs of vulnerable populations, including minorities, those with chronic illness, low-income populations and medically underserved populations.

Funded by the Dayton Children’s Foundation Board, the CHNA covers many health and safety topics and is intended to provide community health advocates, including Dayton Children’s, insights into the health and well-being of our region’s children.  These insights enable our community to identify top areas of concern and to develop or refine programs to improve the health status of all children through community benefit investments. Future investments are outlined in an implementation strategy adopted by the Dayton Children’s Board of Trustees per IRS requirements.

This year’s assessment identified health and safety issues through a four-part data collection process including a secondary data scan, parent perception survey, community physician conversations and parent focus groups. A multidisciplinary team convened by Dayton Children’s reviewed the data from all four segments and the rated the needs against criteria including prevalence, seriousness (hospitalization and/or death), impacts on other health issues, urgency, prevention, economics/feasibility, acceptability and resources.healthassessmentinfographicpath

 

Among the findings in the 2014 Assessment:

  • Childhood obesity remains at the forefront of child health issues. In the 2014 parent survey, 41 percent of children were identified as overweight or obese. The majority of parents of overweight and obese children do not perceive their children as having any weight problem. Ten percent of parents of obese children believe their child is underweight and only 5 percent of those parents correctly identify their child as being “very overweight.”
  • Mental disorders are the most common inpatient discharge diagnosis for youth ages 5-14 and there remains an inadequate resources to care for children with chronic mental health disorders. Of the 15 percent of parents citing chronic or congenital issues as a top health concern, nearly 50 percent of those parents cited developmental or learning disability or autism as their top chronic concern.
  • The regional infant mortality rate was substantially lower than the state’s rate over most of the study period then climbed up to the state rate in more recent years. Sleep-related deaths are a large contributor to infant mortality. According to the Ohio Child Fatality Review, 2007-2011, forty-one percent of infant deaths from 1 month to 1 year are sleep related. In that same report, the 819 infant sleep-related deaths accounted for 15 percent of the 5,418 total reviews for infant deaths from 2007 to 2011, more than any single cause of death except prematurity. In Montgomery County alone, 16.67 percent of the infant deaths in 2012 were related to sleep-related incidents.

The assessment also identified additional needs including asthma/respiratory disorders, injury prevention, infectious disease management/vaccination compliance and access to primary care/health care costs.

Implementation plan

Dayton Children’s will lead efforts to address the priority issues identified by the assessment. The implementation plan includes the following strategies:

  • Decrease the area’s pediatric obesity by working with local pediatricians and other health care providers to deliver appropriate resources and education to help children and their families choose healthier lifestyles.
  • Create a Center for Pediatric Mental Health to increase access to mental health services and coordinate resources for pediatric mental health in the hospital’s primary service area.
  • Dayton Children’s will invest in education for parents about safe sleep practices for their infants.

 

If you have questions about the 2014 Community Health Needs Assessment, please contact Dayton Children’s at 937-641-3666.

Who’d You Rather: EL TORO or El RANCHO GRANDE ? **+Win Free Dinner **

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Chicken Fajitas from El Toro

Chicken Fajitas from El Toro

Again, Food Adventures asks who’d you rather get it on with.  This time a plate from El Toro or a plate from El Rancho Grande?

In this battle for the border, we know Daytonians are picking sides and drawing their line in the margarita salt.  Comment below on which of these two Mexican Restaurants you like better and why !  One winner will be chosen at random and will win dinner with  The Food Adventures Crew at their favorite, either El Toro or El Rancho.  You will act as a referee for us as we also invite our biggest critic, the witty Michael R Hawk !  Let the insults fly !

Now, before you Dayton foodie purists jump all over our white cheese sauce…  We love Mexican Restaurants Taqueria Mixteca (feature article) and Taco Loco (feature article) as our personal faves.  Since we have featured those more obscure restaurants that most people have not been to, we decided for a more familiar fight…

Sound the bell, it’s time to rock the pinata !

First off, margaritas are chick drinks, so we will let the girls sound off and fight it out over who has the best margaritas of the two places.

Both places have fantastic service and tie in that category.  The tacos, and chimichangas are impossible to tell apart.  Also, the desserts like flan and fried ice cream are pretty much the same at both locations.

Del Mar Trio - Ragu's all time favorite

Del Mar Trio at El Rancho Grande features Lobster, Shrimp and Fish

As for everything else.. Here is how the Food Adventures judges saw it.

 

JAX’S VOTE:  EL TORO

— Jax says “The Salsa at El Toro is Better.”  The taste and chunkiness is second to none.  This gives El Toro an early knockout in my book.

— Hungry Jax says “El Toro’s Fajitas Reign Supreme.”  The fajitas at El Toro are the best.  I love fajitas.  Whether you get, steak, chicken or pollo (fish) fajitas, they are very filling and huge portions.

— Jax says “El Toro Gets the Slight Edge in Carnitas Tacos and Enchiladas.  To put it bluntly, these two restaurants have a bunch of dishes, that under the cheese sauce, none of us can tell apart from each other.  I like pork tacos and enchiladas, and El Toro is better by the slightest of margins, and the consistency is good across the 9 locations.  So, El Toro gets my vote by low blow.”

 

THE BIG RAGU’S VOTE: EL RANCHO GRANDE

El Toro beef tacos

Beef Tacos from El Toro (we added their terrific salsa)

—The Big Ragu says, “The Del Mar Trio dish at El Rancho Grande is the champ of both menus.  A must eat! Grilled lobster, tilapia and shrimp served on a fajita plate? FIGHT OVER !

— The Big Ragu says “El Rancho has Pacifico beer on tap.  I have never seen that beer anywhere in my life, other than in bottles.  Also, they feature Negra Modelo on tap.  The other place is too punch drunk to beat that!”  El Rancho Grande has similar draft beer choices at the 8 locations from North Dayton to Middletown.

— The Big Ragu says “El Rancho’s Chilles Rellenos are a deal maker.”  Stuffed with cheese, these huge poblano peppers are melt in your mouth delicious.  Stick a fork in them, they’re done!

 

Sound off and tell us which one you like, here is your chance for a free Food Adventure !

 ***** FREE DINNER WITH THE FOOD ADVENTURES CREW *****

LET’S HEAR FROM THE PEOPLE !  It is now your turn to comment on “Who’d you Rather : El Toro or El Rancho Grande?”

Pacifico Clara on Draft? YES ! YES ! YES !

Pacifico Clara on Draft at El Rancho Grande? YES! YES! YES!

Hold onto your sombrero, muchacho!  One person who comments on the story below will win dinner at their favorite, either El Rancho Grande or El Toro with Food Advntures!  They will be joined by Food Adventure’s biggest critic, Michael R. Hawk, for an interesting evening of fun and food.

 

Want to see our WHO’D YOU RATHER stories over the past 3 years?  Click on the individual links below !
Who’d You Rather?  FRICKERS or ROOSTERS? 

Who’d You Rather?  CHIPOTLE or QDOBA?

Who’d You Rather?  FIVE GUYS or SMASHBURGER?

 

Check out our photo gallery below for some great photos of El Toro and El Rancho Grande offerings.  Dont’ forget to join the thousands on Facebook who “like” Food Adventures by clicking HERE !

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Tom Morgan introduces Dayton Brewvet

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imgres-1The summer months are upon us, so it is time to jump on your bike and enjoy the outdoors. Dayton is a great town for cycling; there are more than 250 miles of bike trails in the greater Dayton metro area, which is a fair share more than many lauded bike-friendly cities. With that in mind, I am here today to offer you the Dayton Brewvet. My inspiration is John Roche of DrinkCraftBeer.com, who pioneered the concept of the Brewvet last summer;I would have participated this year, but he started it mad early and it was over almost before I thought to look it up!



So rather than admitting defeat, I decided a local Dayton version was in order. The idea behind the Brewvet is drawn from randonneuring, a long-distance, non-competitive endurance cycling event; the Randonneur USA website notes that “friendly camaraderie, not competition, is the hallmark of randonneuring.” The idea of taking pleasure in the event itself rather than focusing on competition is something I can get behind. As Roche explains further, “since a randonneuring event is called a brevet, it only made sense to call our take on this concept the Brewvet.” While we’re leaving behind the long-distance part of randonneuring—with the exception of ride number eight—combining cycling and local craft beer seems a perfect recipe for summer fun.



          The Dayton Brewvet will run from June 27, 2014 to August 8, 2014, so there will be plenty of time to get out and explore Dayton by bike. The eight rides—and they can be completed in any order you would like—are:

1.  Local Brew: During your ride, stop at a local brewery and enjoy a beer.
2.  Local Bar: Ride to your favorite local bar and enjoy a craft beer.
3.  Co-op Brew: Ride to the Fifth Street Brewpub Co-op and enjoy a craft beer. Sorry to be self-serving, but I’m a co-op member, and you should be, too.
4.  Patio/Outdoor Beer: Ride to a local bar with a patio, or to an outdoor event, and enjoy a craft beer outdoors.
5.  Beer at Home: Take a spin to the store, and bring home a craft beer to drink.
6.  Go Exploring: Ride someplace new, stop in at a new bar or restaurant, and try a new craft beer.
7.  Can Beer: Canned craft beer is all the rage, in part because it packs in and out with ease. Find yourself a bike ride that incorporates beer in a can. Remember, though: you’re adults. Don’t get either of us in trouble.
8.  Bike Path Brew: Plan a longer ride to explore some of Dayton’s bike paths, and use this as an excuse to visit one of the breweries close to the bike path: Yellow Springs Brewery in Yellow Springs (via the Creekside Trail and the Little Miami Trail), Star City Brewing Company in Miamisburg (via the Great Miami River Recreational Trail), or, for the truly brave of heart, Fifty West in Cincinnati. If you’re willing to ride to Cincinnati, I’m pretty sure you can figure out a route on your own.
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Your eight rides should ideally combine for a total distance of at least 40 miles; as Roche also notes, “A ride qualifies if you either stop to drink a beer during your bike ride, or purchase a beer on your bike ride that you drink shortly after you get back home. Just like in a brevet, you must provide documentation of each stop on your adventures.”
          More on the documentation part in a minute. First, some basic ground rules. Apparently, randonneuring is rule crazy. While I’m less fussy, I’m still going to implement some of the basic guidelines Roche uses for his Brewvet:


1. Limit of one ride per day. Any ride in which you drink more than one beer still only counts as one ride. Be responsible and make adult decisions. 
2. Each ride should be to a different location. No doubling up on bars or breweries. 
3. Each ride should feature a different beer, with preference towards craft beer. Local beer is even better. 
4. The eight rides are to be completed between June 27, 2014 and August 8, 2014.
5. While there is no minimum distance for each ride, aim to cover at least 40 miles over the course of your eight rides. The Bike Path Brew ride is intended to bulk up everyone’s overall numbers. Yes, long rides are hard. But also fun. 
6. For each ride, fill out the Dayton Brewvet rider information card (the Dayton Brewvet rider information card can be found here). Please document the following: Destination: from where to where did you ride? Beer: what did you drink? Miles: how long was the round trip? Date: when did you do it? Ride Completed: which of the eight rides was this? 

Take plenty of pictures along the way, and use the #daytonbrewvet hashtag when posting them online. As well, Strava, an online app for phones, is helpful for mapping rides and keeping track of miles.
 Once you’ve completed your eight rides, submit your Dayton Brewvet control card and eight pictures (you can also submit links to pictures posted on your blog or other online sites) to tlmorgan3 at gmail.com. The deadline for Dayton Brewvet submissions is August 22, 2014.

 

A few final notes: arranging group rides is encouraged. Use the #daytonbrewvet hashtag to let others know what you’ll be doing. I’ll post a couple of my destinations a few days prior to riding if you’re looking for an excuse to be social. And as an added incentive—although, to be honest, isn’t the delightful allure of beer and bike riding already more than enough incentive?—everyone who completes the Dayton Brewvet will get an official certificate of completion, suitable for framing. Suitable for framing. I’ve always wanted to say that. Awesome. Plus, I’ll buy you a beer when this is all over. So get out and start riding with beer as your destination.



Editors Note:  This post by Tom Morgan was originally supposed to be published in Telephone Weekly, where he writes a craft beer column, but issues have temporarily sidelined them. Boo! Since letting the idea of a Dayton Brewvet to go to waste this summer seemed criminal, we’re getting it started here with Tom’s permission!

It’s A Bird, It’s A Plane…It’s a LOT of Planes

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Look up

 

No matter how long you’ve lived in Dayton, or how familiar you are with the Vectren Dayton Air Show, it’s always a bit surprising when you hear the roar of fighter jets overhead on an average weekday morning. If you were looking up on Thursday morning, you likely saw the Delta formation of the prestigious United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron making their (very fast) way to the Dayton International Airport. More commonly known as the Blue Angels, they have been a delight to fans and a centerpiece of airshows across the country for decades. Once again, we welcome them to Dayton!

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The Blue Angels are comprised of an elite group of servicemembers from the Navy and Marines. While many see the aerobatics of the F/A-18 Hornets, not everyone knows that it takes a team to get those pilots in the jets. The crew arrives early in the recognizable “Fat Albert”- the name affectionately given to the C-130 cargo plane. Fat Albert serves as more than just a utilitarian people mover. You will see what that large plane is capable of as the Blue Angels begin their demonstration. If you’re an air show aficionado, you may remember the JATO take off from years past. This huge propeller plane actually took off with jet assistance! Though that impressive feat ended in 2009, we happen to know that Fat Albert still has a few tricks up his sleeve.

 

Part of the crew that keeps the Blue Angels flight-ready is from right here in our backyard. AM1 (AW) Bobby Meagher is a 1998 graduate of Norwood High School in Cincinnati. He is part of the airframes division of the squadron. The Blue Angels are among the oldest F/A-18’s in the fleet and require quite a bit of maintenance to keep them in performance condition. Petty Officer Meagher has been maintaining the Blue Angels for almost 3 years now. Born at WPAFB to 2 Air Force parents, he enlisted in the Navy and first heard of the Blue Angels at his first command. Realizing the enormous opportunity, he set out to be part of this squadron. He’s looking forward to seeing friends and family while he’s close to home, and of course, enjoying some LaRosa’s pizza!

Blue Angels "Boss"

Blue Angels “Boss”

At the helm of this squadron is CDR Thomas Frosch. He is the Commanding Officer, and pilot of the #1 jet. Known as “Boss” to the crew, it is his responsibility to not only oversee all of the operations of the Blue Angels, but also be the lead for all flight demonstrations. When asked how he enjoyed the flyover of Cincinnati en route to Dayton, he said, “It was great, it’s the best way to see a city, flying overhead. Of course, I’m the only one that got to enjoy it, I was looking down while the rest of them were looking at me, as they’re supposed to, they’re the wingmen!”. If you’ve ever wondered how they fly in such close proximity to each other, there’s your answer. The Boss leads the way, and the rest of the highly skilled pilots follow suit. Pretty impressive to say the least.

So, how does one become a Blue Angel? Well, for CDR Frosch, the seed was planted early. As a 6 year old from Clinton Township Michigan, he remembers seeing them perform for the first time. When asked what his inspiration was, the expected answer was, of course, Top Gun. With a slight laugh, he said that it was actually The Final Countdown (a movie about the USS Nimitz going back in time to the day before Pearl Harbor) that first inspired him to want to take off and land from an aircraft carrier. When asked what was harder, performing the exact flight maneuvers that the Blue Angels are known for, or landing on a carrier, the emphatic answer was, “landing on a carrier at night is the hardest thing to do”. Interesting perspective when you consider that in all of Naval Aviation, that is really the backbone. There are squadrons deployed all over the world on carriers. In fact, it’s likely that as you are reading this, somewhere there is a jet landing or taking off from an aircraft carrier doing the job that the Navy has been tasked with.

 

Honor. Courage. Commitment.

 

Those 3 words are the epitome of service in the United States Navy. You can see the realization of those 3 words when you have an opportunity to see this squadron in action. From the way they move through the air, to the way the ground crew works together so seamlessly, you will walk away with a new appreciation for the Sailors and Marines serving our country. The mission of the Blue Angels is to inspire all who come to see them. And inspire they do!

 

Knowing that the Vectren Dayton Air Show is a family event, we asked for one tidbit of advice for the children who may come out to see the shows this weekend, that may find themselves inspired by what they see. CDR Frosch replied, “Teamwork. Teamwork is the foundation for everything that we do. From the ground to the air crew, the focus is on teamwork. Of course STEM is always important, but you don’t have to be an engineer to fly”. Communication and trust are paramount to the safety and performance excellence that we will get to see this weekend.

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But wait, there’s more…

 

Though the Blue Angels are the highlight for many, aviation fans of all kinds will find something to interest them at the Vectren Dayton Air Show. Naturally, the Birthplace of Aviation will have a Wright B Flyer on hand, and with WPAFB a cornerstone of our community, the Air Force will be well represented – including the Wings Of Blue Parachute Team! You can find the full air show schedule here. There are many ticket options and you can see them here.

No matter what attraction sparks your interest, you’re sure to enjoy the aviation fun that has become a much-loved tradition in the Dayton area!

You can see some of the airshow excitement on Instagram! Our own Nikki Nett (@nikkisayswhat) will be running the Dayton Baton (@daytonbaton) on Saturday. You can double tap those pictures until your heart is content!

 

10?’s with Surjit Singh Mattu ofAmar India

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surjitEver since Surjit Singh Mattu was a young man in northwestern India he has had a business and numbers based mind set.  It is this mindset which has continually propelled the quick learning chef to success in American busines

 

Originally an electrician, Surjit Singh Mattu left India in 1981 and arrived in Boston, Massachusetts where he started to pursue and explore a career in the restaurant business.  He has always enjoyed cooking and this culinary experience helped him begin to learn and develop his own taste.  This was the beginning of what would be a largely successful career.  After living in Boston he had moved to Houston for a period and then in 1984 he packed and moved to Dayton to move closer to his sister and her husband, Dr. Sandhu of the University of Dayton’s Chemical Materials Engineering department.  In Dayton he helped his sister in her restaurant, Taste of India.  This exposure to the restaurant business inspired him to fall in love with cooking.

 

The first of his two restaurants, Amar India, opened in 1991 and then his second restaurant, Jeet India in 2003.  He has had success in starting both restaurants and continually finds reward in hearing his customer’s appreciation.  Cooking is an art to Surjit and serving his customers is a gratifying experience.  Sharing his food is like sharing his heritage.

Surjit caters to many events and businesses all over the Midwest.  On top of catering Surjit likes to give back to the community and he frequently donates to charity.  Some specific charities include the Red Cross, March of Dimes and Leukemia Lymphoma Society.

 

His restaurant is commended as the 42nd best restaurant in the United States by Ben Schott’s, Schott’s Food and Drink.  Surjit has won multiple awards for his cooking through the years and he has even had the opportunity to showcase his talents on Good Morning America and multiple local TV channels.

 

  1. What is your favorite ingredient to cook with?

    Buffet 1

    The daily buffet always includes 4vegetarian entrees and 3 non-vegetarian entrees.

He enjoys working with cumin seeds and garlic.

 

  1. What ingredient do you dread?

There is nothing he dreads more than brown sugar, but that’s about it.

 

  1. What’s your favorite dish to make?

Chicken korma, chicken tikka masala

 

  1. What’s your favorite pig out food?

Chicken korma, rice and naan

 

  1. What restaurant, other than your own do you like to dine at in the Miami Valley?
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Masala, White Rice, and Saag Paneer.

Bravos (Particularly the Salmon), Bone Fish Grill, and any Mexican restaurant

 

  1. What’s your best advice for home chefs?

Don’t ever serve food that you wouldn’t want to eat yourself.  Always use the best quality ingredients for the best taste.  Do your own thing and adapt your own style.

 

  1. If you could invite any 4 guests to a dinner party who would they be and why?

He would invite the 4 pickiest customers and anyone else who would critique his cooking.  He is always looking to improve his art!

 

  1. Who do you look up to in the industry and why?

He has always look up to his older sister.  She had inspired him to open his own restaurants.

 

  1. What do you do in the Miami Valley on a day off?

He loves to go to any UD Flyer athletic event, especially basketball.  He also likes to attend Dayton Dragon’s baseball games or sit and watch any sport on the television.

 

  1. Share a kitchen disaster, lucky break or other interesting story.

Interesting Story:  One evening while in the restaurant a customer who had eaten at Amar India previously stopped by and dropped off a book with a marker within it.  The books name was, Schott’s Food and Drink.  Curiosity hit and the book was opened to the marker.  Surjit realized the customer had found a list of 42 best restaurants in the U.S. with Amar India at 42.  The author was unknown and he had no idea his restaurant had been featured on the list.  He saw it as an accomplishment and an interesting surprise.  He also found gratification that the customer notified him and had given him the book as a gift.

amarAmar India is located at 2751 Miamisburg Centerville Road, across from the Dayton Mall.

Monday thru Thursday      thumb-1

11:30am  to 2pm Lunch        5pm to 10pm Dinner

Friday & Saturday      

11:30am to 10pm

Sunday                                 

Noon to 9pm

This Chef 10?’s article was put together by UD students in Professor Rebecca P. Blust’s  UD Engineering Project Management class.  Our four member team , Gracelyn Key, Sushmitha Rayinadi, Emily Strobach and Daniel Williams spent the semester learning how to meet with a client (DMM) define the project, put a plan together and execute it.  This is the fifth of 9 Chef interviews they presented to us as their class project.  To read the first two interviews please see below:

10 ?’s with Chef Trish Miles of C’est Cheese

10 ?’s with Chef Narendar Thakkar of Namaste India

10 ?’s with Chef Lisa Perdomo of Arepas & Co

10 ?’s with Fifth Street Brewpub’s Chef Liam Hennessy

Access To Justice Awards Accepting Nominations

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a2j-banner-website-2014Nominations are being accepted for the Access to Justice Awards that recognize individuals and organizations that have made
extraordinary efforts in assisting the poor to gain equal justice and stabilize their lives. The Access to Justice Awards are presented
by the nonprofit legal aid law firms of Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) and Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO)
and partner organization the Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyers Project (GDVLP). Selections will be made for the following awards:

Honorees are recognized at the Access to Justice Awards Gala scheduled for Thursday, November 6 at 5:30 p.m. at Sinclair
Community College Ponitz Center. The Gala is presented by Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE), Greater Dayton
Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc. (GDVLP), and Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO), organizations that provide free legal help
to low-income individuals and families facing foreclosures, domestic violence, elder abuse, disability and public benefits issues,
education problems, and consumer and immigration concerns.

All nominees must reside in the Miami Valley and may not be employed by ABLE, GDVLP and LAWO. If you have questions
regarding the nomination process, please contact Karla Garrett Harshaw at (937) 535-4432.
The following are information and instructions to assist you in submitting an award nomination.

» The cover page should include the nominee’s name, address, telephone number, email address and name of the award
that is being pursued. Also, include the nominator’s contact information.
» A description of no more than 700 words must be submitted substantiating your nomination for the appropriate award.
Include information as listed.

Lloyd O’Hara Public Interest Law Award
Awarded to an attorney for representation over time and the pro bono nature of the work.

1. Describe how the individual or firm has represented minority, disabled or disadvantaged clients.
2. Describe how the nominee has made a significant or lasting benefit to clients represented.
3. Describe the urgency, difficulty and impact of the work provided.

Community Advocacy Award
Recognizes advocacy and community organizing for equal justice.

1. Describe the grassroots organizing, public education or community advocacy performed by the individual
or organization you are nominating.
2. How does this work benefit low-income, disadvantaged persons or communities?

Community Impact Award
Recognizes an individual, government agency, or business for their efforts affecting the lives  of low-income people.

1. Describe the grassroots organizing, public education or community advocacy performed by the individual
or organization you are nominating.
2. How does this work benefit low-income, disadvantaged persons or communities?

Supporting documents or publications may be submitted with your nomination.
» The deadline for nominations is Friday, July 18, 2014. Honorees will be announced in August.
Nominations may be submitted by email to [email protected] or mailed to Access to Justice Awards, 130 W. Second St.,
Suite 700, Dayton, OH 45402. A Selection Committee, comprised of community representatives, will choose the honorees.

 

Canned Beer From Warped Wing To Share Dayton’s History

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??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Warped Wing Brewing Company celebrates Dayton’s rich history of invention, innovation and industry  as inspiration for their uniquely crafted beers and brewery/taproom. This is the foundation on which the Warped Wing brand is grounded. Warped Wing Brewing Company (WWBC) is excited to announce the release of cans to the Dayton market in mid July. WWBC will be the first brewery in Dayton to can beer in 64 years. President Joe Waizmann adds “We’re excited to be first to revive cans since Miami Valley Brewing closed their doors in 1950”.

Based on the Warped Wing brand foundation WWBC came up with a concept creating a metal forged steam-punk whale as symbolism for a dream that seemingly could never be. How could a whale, a metal whale ever fly? But with a vision, fortitude and sweat one can make anything happen especially if they put their minds to it. These dreams, ideas and hard work are what create inventions and innovations that change people’s lives
forever. Each can tells its own Warped Wing_10 Ton Pressstory both visually and in copy about the beer, while collectively telling the Warped Wing brand story. Nick Bowman, Sales & Marketing adds “We put a lot of thought into the artistic design of our cans with the hope that people would appreciate them as much as the beer inside and think twice about throwing them away.”
The three-can trilogy and illustration style starts in modern day timeframe with 10 Ton Oatmeal Stout. The setting is in an old, gritty metal foundry. The name is based on the original foundry 10-Ton crane, which is still in the building today. This story is about fulfilling the dream of opening a craft brewery in downtown Dayton, O. When you look up towards the top of the can you can see 4 guys toasting the newly forged whale as he makes his way out into the light proudly bringing freshly brewed beer out to the world for all to enjoy.
Warped Wing_Flyin Rye Press
The second can, Flyin’ Rye IPA depicts 1960-70’s style psychedelic art. The whale is shown smoking a rye silo as he brings rye grain back to the brewery for production. Eclectic clouds are forming from the silo smoke symbolizing innovative ideas and thoughts that can come from anyone, anywhere at any time. The illustration features 2 characters riding on the whale steering it to their destination.
Bq_skeACEAAo45k.jpg-largeErmal’s Belgian Style Cream Ale pays homage to Ermal Fraze, inventor of the Pull-off tab (1959) and later the Pop-top can.  The can design is inspired by 1950’s super hero comic books. It shows the craft can hero Ermal coming out of a steam-punk whale in a space ship fashioned after a beer can. He is off to deliver his invention to the world as he and his crew drop easy open cans down to the world.
Bowman goes on to add “The tagline on the cans “Share A Pint Make A Friend” was inspired by the communal sharing of pints among people in the brewery taproom. Many of the best-forged relationships begin with the sharing of a pint. We can our beer in 16 ounce pint cans to fully invest ourselves in that vision of sharing and friendship.”

Local Small Business Fights Back Against Big Chain: Plans Strategic Expansion to National Market Through Online Sales

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bakehouse_toplogoAfter 17 years in business, Bakehouse Bread & Cookie Company is planning to expand beyond their current Miami County market with the addition of online sales as their lead component for growth.

A small, mom & pop artisan bakery located in the small rural town of Troy Ohio, Bakehouse Bread & Cookie Company has enjoyed years of consistent growth and local success. Established in 1997, the company moved to their current location in 2000 which boasts 3,800 square feet of bakery space in which they produce artisan breads, pastries and gourmet cookies for sale in their storefront café as well as to wholesale customers.

“Despite our success,” says Steve McLain, co-owner, “like many small businesses, we‘ve definitely felt the pressure of the large chain restaurants and bakeries popping up around us.  As a small, artisan producer, we knew we had to be strategic about our continued growth and find a way to expand beyond our current market in order to ensure longevity. The addition of online sales to our current revenue was the obvious first step. “

Bakehouse recently engaged a professional firm to help elevate the company’s brand presence to ensure it would not only be well received by a national market, but would stand strong when placed beside large chain competitors.

“Very often, small businesses reach a plateau after a number of years. They want to grow, but are afraid to invest in the tools that will help them reach that next level,” says McLain. “We knew that in order to continue to compete, we couldn’t stand in the shadows of the big chains. We had to refresh and not only come out swinging, but shining brightly as well.”

Bakehouse Bread & Cookie Company invested in a complete redesign of their brand and web presence to feature high-impact photography of their artisan products and the ability to order products online. “The ultimate goal was to show customers outside of the local area who might not frequent our brick and mortar location the quality of our products and give them the ability to order online,” says Margaret Begg, co-owner and master baker.“This allows us to share the craft of artisan baking with folks all around the country and bolster our growth at the same time.”

Bakehouse Bread & Cookie Company is now a small business poised for growth and expansion. Their new web presence features six of their most popular artisan bread staples:  Sourdough, Cranberry Poppyseed, Raisin Walnut, New York Rye, Seven Grain and a special collaboration with a local famer and miller, Organic Spelt. They also offer seasonal products and gift boxes online, as well as their famous Bakehouse gourmet cookies.

All of Bakehouse Bread & Cookie Company’s products are created by hand using all natural ingredients in their Troy Ohio bakery. No emulsifiers, artificial fillers, preservatives or other “shortcut” additives are ever used. Every ingredient that goes into creating Bakehouse products are completely natural and whenever possible, locally sourced.

“Yes, there might be a faster way or cheaper way to create a loaf of bread,” says Begg,  “but the nourishment of a nation is no place to cut corners. We believe it is our responsibility as food producers to keep the health of our community at the forefront of every decision. So every ingredient we use in the creation of our products or the delicious food in the Bakehouse café is selected with this in mind.”

Bakehouse Bread & Cookie Company’s artisan breads and gourmet cookies are now available to the public via their online storefront at www.bakehousebread.com. Shipping is available within 2 days to anywhere within the continental United States.

Bakehouse Bread & Cookie Company creates handmade artisan breads and gourmet cookies for lovers of great food around the world. For additional information about Bakehouse Bread & Cookie Company, contact them at937-339-8100 or [email protected]. For the most up to date information about Bakehouse Bread & Cookie Company s products, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bakehousebread.

Centerville Tavern Celebrates 4th Anniversary

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logoHard to believe it’s been four years since Archer’s Tavern opened their doors in Centerville.  Owners Scott, Mike and Dan were inspired by historical records that indicated that in 1802, John Archer Jr. constructed a log cabin on the northeast corner of Main and Franklin Streets. It was out of this log cabin that Archer operated the “Sign of the Crossed Keys Tavern”. The records indicate that village and township political bodies conducted business and frequently met at John Archer Jr.’s. Archer also assumed the responsibility of local Postmaster, which he ran from his tavern. Not only was Archer’s a center for local business, but it was a stopping point for many out of town travelers. Legend indicates that guests of the tavern included Louis Phillip, son of the King of France, the Prince of Joinville and General William Henry Harrison, who would later become the 9th President of the United States. Although the tavern was a business center, its main purpose was to act as a gathering place for members of the community to socialize, relax and meet friends and family while enjoying a hot meal and a cold beverage. Now,  now more than 200 years after John Archer Jr. established his tavern, Archer’s Tavern is celebrating it’s Fourth Anniversary as Centerville’s gathering place  all week with 1/2 off the bar from 11am to 9pm and nightly themed celebrations!  Join them for:

Thursday June 26th – Disco Night!
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Friday June 27th – Hollywood Nights….come dressed as or get served by a famous Movie Star!!

Saturday June 28th -“ANOTHER SCORE….YEAR # 4!!!” Happy Birthday Celebration Party for our 4th Amazing Year 

Sunday-Funday June 29th –  4th ANNUAL CRAWFISH BOIL!! Beginning at noon join us for Louisiana Crawfish, ice cold beers, music on the patio by DJD Productions, and corn hole!! There will be plenty to go around this year. $30 for unlimited crawfish plus 2 beer tickets or 1 250ml of wine.

You can visit  Archer’s Tavern  at 9496 Dayton Lebanon Pike in Centerville. Their operating hours are:

Mon – Thu: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Fri – Sat: 11:00 am – 1:00 am
Sun: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm

 

OBVIOUS CHILD & JODOROWSKY’S DUNE at THE NEON!

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m_350_oc_1sht_V1.inddHello Everyone,

If you still need to see BELLE, FED UP or SUPERMENSCH, you only have until Thursday to catch them at THE NEON. In addition to holding CHEF, we will open 2 new films. One is a brand new, critically acclaimed, cutting edge comedy with a lot of heart – OBVIOUS CHILD. The other is a documentary that several of you have been asking about – JODOROWSKY’S DUNE – currently at 99% FRESH on rottentomatoes.com. (For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com)

Synopsis for OBVIOUS CHILD: “For aspiring comedian Donna Stern, everyday life as a female twenty-something provides ample material for her incredibly relatable brand of humor. On stage, Donna is unapologetically herself, joking about topics as intimate as her sex life and as crude as her day-old underwear. But when Donna gets dumped, loses her job, and finds herself pregnant just in time for Valentine’s Day, she has to navigate the murky waters of independent adulthood for the first time…Never failing to find the comedy and humanity in each awkward situation she encounters, Donna finds out along the way what it means to be as brave in life as she is on stage. Anchored by a breakout performance from Jenny Slate, OBVIOUS CHILD is a winning discovery, packed tight with raw, energetic comedy and moments of poignant human honesty. Writer/Director Gillian Robespierre handles the topic of Donna’s unwanted pregnancy with a refreshing matter-of-factness rarely seen onscreen. And with Donna, Slate and Robespierre have crafted a character for the ages – a female audiences will recognize, cheer for, and love.” (A24) Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Synopsis for JODOROWSKY’S DUNE: ONE WEEK ONLY! Currently at 99% FRESH on Rottentomatoes.com! “In 1975, Chilean director Alejandro Jodorowsky, whose films EL TOPO and THE HOLY MOUNTAIN launched and ultimately defined the midnight movie phenomenon, began work on his most ambitious project yet. Starring his own 12 year old son Brontis alongside Orson Welles, Mick Jagger, David Carradine and Salvador Dali, featuring music by Pink Floyd and art by some of the most provocative talents of the era, including HR Giger and Jean ‘Moebius’ Giraud, Jodorowsky’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s classic sci-fi novel DUNE was poised to change cinema forever.” (Sony Classics) Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official facebook page.

Ryan Benner will premiere the 4th installment in the SAVOR THE FLAVOR series (locally produced roller-blading videos) on Saturday, June 28 at 10pm. Ticket, $5 each, are available now at THE NEON’s box office. “Featuring blading from: Aaron Pyle, Tri Tri-Rudolf, Reed Huston, Andrew Thompson, Dan Mikesell,Alex Papalios & Ryan Benner.” In addition, Benner will also screen Hawke Trackler’s CRUISIN’ 4 A BRUISIN’ – featuring Kyle Wood, Ben Poling, Stefan Brandow, Jimmy Spetz, Matt Lyon, Jesse Soda, Hawke Trackler, Greg Preston, Cody Reffner & Bradley Wilson.” (taken from Benner’s Press Notes)

We have several other special events in the works, so I should have plenty of new details in next week’s newsletter.

Next time you’re in the neighborhood, even if you’re not up for a movie, be sure to check out our patio. We’ve really spruced things up with new furniture, new umbrellas and beautiful plants. Our beer selection is pretty awesome (not to mention our iced coffee and other cold drinks), so think about our patio as a great place to unwind down the road.

Thanks for your continued interest and enthusiastic support.
We hope to see you soon!

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, June 27 – Thursday, July 3:

OBVIOUS CHILD (R) 1 Hr 24 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:20, 7:30

CHEF (R) 1 Hr 55 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:50, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 7:20

JODOROWSKY’S DUNE (PG-13) 1 Hr 30 Min
Friday: 5:15, 9:45
Saturday: 5:15
Sunday: 5:15, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 5:15

SAVOR THE FLAVOR 4 (Not Appropriate for Young Audiences) approx. 30 Min.
Saturday: 10:00

COMING SOON:

(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)

July 4 – A HARD DAY’S NIGHT
July 11 – THIRD PERSON
TBD – IDA
TBD – WORDS AND PICTURES
Aug 8 – BOYHOOD
Aug 15 – MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT
Aug 29 – LAND HO

Vectren Dayton Air Show will roar with P-51, F4U warbirds and EAA offer Young Eagles Flight opportunity with Sean D. Tucker

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Dayton Air ShowThe most exciting aviation event in the Tri-State region got even better with the addition of two magnificent warbirds to the 2014 Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger, show officials announced today.
One is a pristine example of the North American P-51D Mustang, the famous fighter that helped win World War II. It’s restored in the markings of Capt. Herbert G. Kolb’s Baby Duck, a plane he flew to make five of the 14.5 kills credited to him. The other is a rare Chance Vought F4U-5 Corsair, a version of the carrier-based fighter that had a more powerful engine than earlier versions and numerous other performance enhancing features.
Thanks to the show’s “Performer Pit Row” static display, spectators will be able to get a close look at these warbirds and other planes when they aren’t flying in the June 28-29 air show at Dayton International Airport.
They join modern military performers including the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier, the Air Force Academy’s Wings of Blue parachute team and the U.S. Coast Guard’s HH-65 Dolphin search-and-rescue demonstration. Civilian performers include Sean D. Tucker, Patty Wagstaff, the North American AeroShell Aerobatic Team, the F-86 Sabre and the Shockwave jet truck. The one-of-a-kind Wright “B” Flyer, a lookalike of the Wright brothers’ first production airplane, will also fly each day.

Air show superstar Sean D. Tucker will give a child his or her first flight in a general aviation airplane in cooperation with the Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger and the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA’s) Young Eagles program.  Tucker, chairman of EAA’s Young Eagles since 2013, will give the flight at 10 a.m. on June 25, just prior to the air show on June 28-29. News media will be invited to cover the flight from the air in a photo chase plane. The flight will be offered to the winner of a Vectren Dayton Air Show essay contest. Visit www.daytonairshow.com/youngeagles for contest details.

Since 1992, more than 44,000 EAA volunteer pilots participating in Young Eagles have given first flights to more than 1.8 million youths. Registered Young Eagles have opportunities for scholarships, flight training, online resources, free student membership to the Academy of Model Aeronautics, free access to more than 300 science and technology museums and more. Thousands have become aviators themselves.

Tucker is a National Aviation Hall of Fame enshrinee and one of the National Air and Space Museum’s 25 Living Legends of Flight—an elite group that includes Jimmy Doolittle, Chuck Yeager, Bob Hoover, Gene Cernan and John Glenn. He is also one of the Living Legends of Aviation. He will be a featured performer at the air show along with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier, USAF Academy Wings of blue Parachute Team, Patty Wagstaff, AeroShell aerobatic team, Shockwave Jet Truck and more.

Ticket prices remain unchanged from 2013. The popular Chairman’s Club, Pavilion, Family 4 Pack, and Blue Sky Chalet are now on sale, offering a range of seating amenities. Tickets can conveniently be purchased through our show website at www.daytonairshow.com. Deep discount general admission tickets are on sale at more than 100 Kroger stores in the Dayton-Cincinnati region.

Founded in 1975, the Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger is one of North America’s premier air shows. It features world-class aerobatic champions, military jet demonstrations and entertainment for the whole family, celebrating Dayton’s rich aviation heritage as home of the Wright Brothers, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and National Aviation Heritage Area. It is produced by the United States Air and Trade Show, Inc., a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit Ohio corporation that relies on sponsorship and community support to offset costs. The Dayton/Montgomery County Convention and Visitors Bureau estimates the show adds $3.2 million to the region’s economy every year. For more information, visit www.daytonairshow.com.

 

Conference to Give Entrepreneurs a Boost

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EntrepreneurshipThe Greater Dayton Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) will host the 2014 Minority & Women’s Entrepreneurship and Access to Capital Conference on June 26-27 at the Dayton Convention Center (22 E. 5th St.). This two-day event will provide resources necessary for new and existing companies to successfully start and expand their business.

The conference includes certification assistance, business networking opportunities, education- and industry-focused workshops and one-on-one sessions with financial institutions. Targeted workshops will provide information on government certification programs, supplier diversity programs and opportunities for financing business growth. A Pamper Party featuring Infinitee Spa will be hosted during lunch on Thursday.

On-site conference registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. on June 26. Registration is now FREE due to sponsor support and you can register online at www.mwbconference.eventbrite.com. Continental breakfast and lunch are provided.

Sponsors include US Bank and the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.

For additional information, contact MBAC Coordinator RoShawn Winburn at (937) 333-1002 or via email at [email protected].

The Greater Dayton MBAC is a Dayton Human Relations Council partner and is one of 10 programs funded by the Ohio Development Services Agency. MBAC provides free managerial, certification, technical and procurement assistance to minority, women, and small local enterprises in Montgomery, Greene, Clark, Darke, Preble, Mercer, Auglaize, Shelby, Logan, Champaign, Madison and Miami Counties.

It’s a Shoe-In For Free Pizza on Wednesday!

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785d0f06-2f1e-4a12-b027-79214449b785Get a FREE Pizza on Wednesday, June 25th when you donate a new pair of sneakers to Shoes 4 the Shoeless. Bring in any pair of new sneakers (in the box or with tags still on–sorry, we can’t take used, even gently used, shoes) and Beavercreek Pizza Dive will give you a certificate for a FREE 8″ Pizza that’s good any day in July at their 4021 Dayton-Xenia Road location.

Athletic shoes/sneakers in size 10 toddler to men’s 13 are appreciated. They’ll be collected by Shoes 4 the Shoeless and given to local children in desperate need.

Haven’t thought about what a great gift this is? Check out the stories on the Shoes 4 the Shoeless facebook page and we bet you’ll want to head right out to the store and stock up on sneakers to donate.

For more information on this week’s Shoes 4 the Shoeless Fundraiser, click here.

Oregon District Distillery To Open Thursday

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2614It began with a bottle.  A whiskey bottle etched with “Belle of Dayton” was unearthed in downtown Dayton. Historians surmise that local liquor merchant Solomon Rauh and Sons may have sold this whiskey, hitching their fortunes to the ebb and flow of the Dayton economy.  Located in downtown Dayton, the business burned nearly to the ground as a result of the Great Flood of 1913.  Undaunted, Solomon Rauh and Sons rebuilt their business, staying with wholesale liquor until another blow, 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution. Prohibition took its toll on distilleries around the nation.


Before Prohibition, grist mills and distilleries dappled the Miami Valley drawing from the area’s deep, mineral-rich water of the Great Miami Aquifer, still one of the most productive natural water sources in the country. Local artisans crafted their Dayton spirits to sell in saloons around the Gem City.  The fingerprint of the community was on every 10462580_680520405317699_4398821997426929615_ntumbler of liquor—the grains, oak casks, bottles, and labels were all produced in the Miami Valley. The proprietors sold whiskey to their family, friends, neighbors and fellow businessmen; they looked customers in the eye, so they staked their reputation on the quality of their product.

The Belle of Dayton label on each bottle, and the spirit contained therein, pays homage to that time and celebrates our American distilling heritage.  Mike and Murphy LaSelle share their predecessors’ passion to create the highest quality small batch artisan spirits from grain to glass.   Coupling modern equipment and innovative techniques with old world expertise, the brothers proudly offer you the Belle of Dayton.


Belle of Dayton, located in the Oregon District at 122 Van Buren St., will host a grand opening celebration featuring a facility tour and complimentary tasting. The event will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 26. The distillery will offer small-batch vodka samples at the grand opening, with additional spirits slated for production, including rum; bourbon barrel-aged rum; and four-grain, white corn bourbon.

‘Play it By Heart’ Review – Human Race Theatre Company – Sing Out, Jeannine!

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play it by heart

Trisha Rapier as country music legend Jeannine Jasper along with J.J. Tiemeyer, Cooper Taggard and Christine Brunner as backup vocalists in “Play it By Heart” (Photo by Scott J. Kimmins)

Three generations of strong Southern women feud and reconcile against the backdrop of changing dynamics within the country music industry in “Play it By Heart,” a promising new musical still navigating its path as evidenced in its Human Race Theatre Company regional premiere at the Loft Theatre.
In this sweet but predictable tale, the legendary Jeannine Jasper (Trisha Rapier), a Grammy and Country Music Association winner with a spot in the Grand Ole Opry on the horizon, yearns for retirement to the chagrin of her overbearing, ruthless stage mom Naomi (Sharva Maynard). As mother and daughter wrangle, Jeannine’s irritated, spoiled younger sister Jamie Lynn (Kathryn Boswell) enters the equation with furious bitterness toward Jeannine. Even so, testy situations for the Jaspers stretch beyond the country charts when Billy Tucker (Paul Blankenship), Jeannine’s former flame, suddenly arrives after 20 years to rekindle their chemistry and plan for the future. Billy’s presence quickly releases painful memories which force Jeannine and Naomi to face the music they’ve desperately tried to silence.
Librettist Brian Yorkey (a Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner for “Next to Normal”) conceives an effective dysfunctional family foundation and has a keen perspective for the marketing-driven essence of current country music (especially Jamie Lynn’s ascension as the latest country-pop sensation), but he peculiarly inserts familiar contrivances. In fact, a major plot twist didn’t produce any noticeable gasps from the audience at the performance attended perhaps because it was already a memorable jaw-dropper in the hands of Lisa Kudrow last season on ABC’s “Scandal.” It also isn’t clear what happened to the show’s villain in Act 2 following a dramatic incident involving Jeannine’s father Buck (Scott Stoney), and there should be less focus on Billy in Act 1 which can be replaced by more meaningful moments for the Jasper women to explore their complex emotions. Granted, one of the best musical numbers from the tuneful composing team of David Spangler, Jerry Taylor and R.T. Robinson is the feisty “Sorry!” featuring the ladies in a heated squabble at the kitchen table, but more attention should be paid. Considering the material already contains mild shades of “Gypsy,” I’d specifically like to see Naomi completely release the obvious demons within her inner Momma Rose by singing a substantial, no-holds-barred 11 o’clock number on par with “Rose’s Turn.” And, yes, this can be done with the elimination of Act 2’s unnecessary, testosterone-driven “Good Ol’ Boys.”
Nevertheless, director Kevin Moore skillfully establishes an authentic tone and brisk pacing in addition to assembling an appealing cast. Rapier, a pleasant vocalist seen last season in the Human Race’s production of “Next to Normal,” is an engaging center bringing credence to Jeannine’s frustration with familial concerns and past mistakes. The outstanding, tough-as-nails Maynard intimidates to the hilt as Naomi tries to keep her family together while elements of her world, particularly her financial security, threaten to dissipate. The radiant Boswell is effortlessly vivacious but grows fittingly intuitive as Jamie Lynn comprehends the weight of her existence. Stoney, fortunate to sing the beautiful title number, supplies gentle authority and tenderness. The charming George Psomas adds flavorful comic relief as Naji Habib, a fish-out-of-water music executive from Dubai overseeing Jeannine and Jamie Lynn’s recording ventures. Blankenship could loosen up a bit but his shy demeanor nicely contrasts the extroverted Jaspers. J.J. Tiemeyer schemes and deceives with sharp intensity as Robbie Wilkins, Jeannine’s tour manager. Tim Lile is wonderfully good-natured as Lyle Mount, Jeannine’s former manager. Christine Brunner and Cooper Taggard complete the cast very well in various roles. Brunner is a hoot as perky reporter Debbie Dean who has a funny breakdown late in Act 2. Taggard enjoyably partners with Boswell for “Do I?,” the catchy Act 2 opener choreographed by Megan Wean Sears with playful sexiness.
In addition to Sears, Moore’s first-rate creative team includes scenic designer Adam Koch (adeptly conveying numerous locales from an auditorium and hospital room to a bar and tour bus interior), costumer Christie Peitzmeier (particularly providing lovely gowns for the ladies and appropriate Western gear for the men), lighting designer John Rensel, sound designer Brian Retterer, and music director Nils-Petter Ankarblom who leads an excellently well-balanced onstage band that never feels intrusive.
At a time when country music is evolving beyond its roots and traditional demographics (Florida Georgia Line’s collaborative “Cruise” with Nelly marked a huge cultural shift), “Play it By Heart” runs the risk of feeling out of step in terms of reaching a broader, diverse audience. Still, this project warmly embraces the power of forgiveness and the importance of family, feel-good components likely to secure interest elsewhere following rewrites.

“Play it By Heart” continues through July 6 at the Loft Theatre of the Metropolitan Arts Center, 126 N. Main St., Dayton. Performances are (Through June 29): Wednesday-Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m.; Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.; and (July 1-6): Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday evenings at 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Act One: 75 minutes; Act Two: 70 minutes. Tickets are $41-$48 (prices vary depending on performance date and discounts are also available). For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit ticketcenterstage.com or humanracetheatre.org.